Is it better to be under contract and get paid up front? Or to be independent and own all the long-term value you’ve accrued?

That’s the question we’re addressing today. We discuss what it means to be an independent creator and spend some time illustrating what we can learn about the future of our work from prominent creators such as Joe Rogan, Michelle Obama, and Joe Budden. 

Most of us will probably never reach these levels of fame, but it’s a good conversation to have because of the important implications for creators moving forward. 

Main Takeaways

• Unlike many other career paths, the options are endless for independent creators. 
• Keeping your personal or professional brand in mind when signing a contract is critically important because that will drive how you impact the marketplace. 
• A key question to ask yourself when deciding which path to choose is, “Do you want money now or more money later through more work?”
• It’s hard to “make it” regardless of who you are, so there’s minimal risk going independent and retaining everything that you create. 

Links

• Joe Rogan Got Ripped Off By Spotify

Creators of the Day

• Srini Rao Creator Story
• Stratechery

Resources of the Day

• Descript
• Audio Social Networking (Like Clubhouse)
  
  

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